Organizers report goal of raising $60,000 met
By Janine Davis Record Staff Writer Hundreds of cancer survivors, family, friends and neighbors turned out for Friday night’s annual Relay for Life. They raised significant funds for cancer research and provided love, hope and support for those battling the disease here at home and beyond. Organizers report the event met its goal of raising more than $60,000 from local businesses, organizations and individuals for cancer research and support. The event also met its goal for 23 relay teams and robust attendance from throughout the community. Relay for Life was held at Black Hawk Middle School in Warrenton. Speaker of Hope Lucia Patterson, from Lincoln County, told the crowd how she has survived breast cancer, followed by colon-rectal cancer two years later that ultimately spread to her liver. Last July, she had 70 percent of her liver removed. “I know I will be victorious,” Patterson said. “The hope I’ve received from people has given me the prognosis the doctors couldn’t.” Patterson paraphrased Helen Keller in saying, “Alone, we can’t do much; together, we can do a lot.”She continued. “Why relay? For families and friends, for survivors and those lost. To help finish the fight.” During the event’s Survivor Roll Call, a parade of men and women wearing purple T-shirts — Relay for Life colors — filed up to take the microphone, announcing their name and type of cancer they’ve had, along with the time span they have lived with the disease. As she stepped up to the mic, survivor Margaret Gerding urged people to give generously to the cause. “Your dollar may be the one that leads to the discovery of a cure,” said Gerding. Survivor Helen Pherigo said she looks forward to Relay for Life every year, coming out with friends and family to take in the full support of the community. “You really see the love,” she said. Pherigo said doctors discovered her colon-rectal cancer in 1998, shortly after she returned from a trip to Egypt, where she thought she had picked up a bug that explained her symptoms. She was 48 at the time, and now at age 64 has been living cancer-free for 16 years. Throughout the night, participants and guests were treated to a bounty of uplifting fun, including a rousing performance from the Warrenton High School a capella choir, Pitch the Keys, pie-throwing, dancing, speakers and great food. For more information or to donate to Relay for Life, call 636-922-9536, email kanna.rook@cancer.org or visit www.relayforlife.org/warrencomo.
SURVIVOR LAP- Jean Biggs, left, and Claudia Deal, right, representing The Inspirations support group, lead the Survivor Lap during Friday night's Relay for Life at Black Hawk Middle School in Warrenton.
